Perfect Picture Book Friday – Teddy, Let’s Go!

Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!

Is it just me, or has this been a crazy, busy week?

Also, an exciting week as just yesterday I got my author copies of ALPHABEDTIME! Want to see? ๐Ÿ˜Š

Violet is so excited to have a new book to read!

For anyone who might be in the area, I will be at Warwick Children’s Book Festival on Saturday along with many other fabulous children’s authors and illustrators! And (fingers crossed!) I will hopefully have copies of ALPHABEDTIME, available before the official release date just for Warwick! I hope you’ll join us if you can!

But now, I have a lovely book to show you. It has been a casualty of supply chain issues and so had its release date pushed back, but that just gives you more time to preorder it ๐Ÿ˜Š

Title: Teddy, Let’s Go!

Written By: Michelle Nott

Illustrated By: Nahid Kazemi

Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books, December 6, 2022, fiction

Suitable For Ages: 3-7

Themes/Topics: transitional object, new sibling, family, love

Opening: “The wavy-haired woman with love in her eyes pulled me close and whispered in my ear.
Then she wrapped me up. And I floated.”

These are the first words of the story, but it begins earlier with the art, showing Grandma at her sewing machine making Teddy.

text copyright Michelle Nott 2022, illustration copyright Nahid Kazemi 2022, Enchanted Lion Books
text copyright Michelle Nott 2022, illustration copyright Nahid Kazemi 2022, Enchanted Lion Books
text copyright Michelle Nott 2022, illustration copyright Nahid Kazemi 2022, Enchanted Lion Books

Brief Synopsis: My’s beloved Teddy Bear goes with her everywhere. Through her early childhood he is a constant companion and friend. As she grows older, she relies on him less, but he still holds a special place in her heart. So special that when her little brother comes along, she knows just what she must do.

text copyright Michelle Nott 2022, illustration copyright Nahid Kazemi 2022, Enchanted Lion Books

Links To Resources: Make a teddy bear for yourself, a new sibling, a friend, or anyone you love

Why I Like This Book: This is such a sweet story! So many children have transitional objects, those loveys they carry with them everywhere to lend strength and comfort. This little girl has a Teddy who was made with love especially for her by her grandma. From her crib to camp, Teddy goes with her, always listening for her words: “Teddy, let’s go!” And he always goes. As she grows older, he goes less and stays home more. She doesn’t need him all the time, which is as it should be, but she still needs him sometimes. Then things begin to feel different around the house. In the art, preparations are being made. A mom whose shape is changing. A crib with a mobile. And then, one night, a small voice cries, and the girl takes her beloved Teddy to their first bed and tucks him in next to her brand new little brother. (Moms and Dads, I dare you not to tear up ๐Ÿ˜Š) Young readers will relate to this love for a special stuffed animal or blankie, as so many of us have had something like that, to the comfort it brings, and the love with which it is bestowed. And maybe one day some of them will pass their loveys on to a new sibling, too.

text copyright Michelle Nott 2022, illustration copyright Nahid Kazemi 2022, Enchanted Lion Books

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do ๐Ÿ˜Š

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out ๐Ÿ˜Š) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! ๐Ÿ˜Š

25 thoughts on “Perfect Picture Book Friday – Teddy, Let’s Go!

  1. viviankirkfield says:

    You find the best books, Susanna! I love the illustrations in Teddy Let’s Go!!!

    And you write the best ones also….I am SO excited that this long awaited ALPHABEDTIME book will soon be available!!!

    • Susanna Leonard Hill says:

      I actually thought you had already reviewed this on your blog, Vivian! Someone did – I know I saw it somewhere! But yes, it’s a lovely book! And thank you for being excited about ALPHABEDTIME on my behalf! You know how amazing it was to finally hold it in my hands yesterday! ๐Ÿ˜Š

  2. readmybook2002 says:

    Glad you received your author copies which must be a natural high for you. I may have missed your episode where you interviewed yourself with the same questions you ask others; how long did it take, when did you get the call etc. Congratulations again.

    • Susanna Leonard Hill says:

      It was a great moment, Bru! I was happy all day! Especially getting to finally show it to my parents who are 93 and 92 and love to have a little excitement in their day ๐Ÿ˜Š And I have never interviewed myself! My debut was 20 years ago, so I don’t count ๐Ÿ˜Š But I will be doing a blog tour starting October 16 at Kathy Temean’s blog and then mostly from October 25 – November 13 and there will be all kinds of answers to things there ๐Ÿ˜Š

  3. rosecappelli says:

    Congratulations, Susanna! ALPHABEDTIME looks like something my grandkids would love! I also love the sentiment and soft illustrations in TEDDY, LET’S GO! Two great additions to my want to read list. Thank you!

  4. Patricia Tilton says:

    Congratulations on receiving you author’s copies. I can’t imagine what it must feel like seeing that box. Perfect for the little ones.

    What a lovely book about a child and her Teddy! Many kids will enjoy this read! The photographs are gorgeous! I have my daughter’s Teddy, “Dink” sitting on a bed in our home.

    • Susanna Leonard Hill says:

      Thank you so much, Pat! It was amazing when the box showed up! I’ve waited a long time for this one! I’m looking forward to being able to read it to my granddaughter ๐Ÿ˜Š I’m glad you like Michelle’s book – it really is lovely! And how nice that you still have “Dink”!

  5. chardixon47 says:

    I teared up over this one. So sweet and faded memories of my first teddy bear. I’m looking forward to reading.

    • Susanna Leonard Hill says:

      Teddies ARE such special friends, Marty! I agree! (Even though I had a pink blanket ๐Ÿ˜Š) And thanks! I’m excited for tomorrow – fingers crossed the books will be there and the kids will like them!

  6. Jilanne Hoffmann says:

    Oh, my. I LOVE Enchanted Lion as a publisher. They discover such special books and aren’t afraid to take risks. And yes, I teared up. I love the artwork, too. Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the heads up, Susanna!….and now I want to make a washcloth teddy bear, too….

  7. Norah says:

    Teddy, let’s go sounds like a lovely book. I enjoyed watching the video about making a little teddy too. How cute. I’m especially excited about your new book. Congratulations!

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